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In this age of transition toward a world society, protection of the environment and
conservation of the earth's resources represent an enormously complex challenge. The rapid
progress in science and technology that has united the world physically has also greatly
accelerated destruction of the biological diversity and rich natural heritage with which the
planet has been endowed.This paper examines some of the beliefs and practices underlying
traditional Christianity, Islamic and Hinduism religions attitude towards nature and its
strategic extension as a tool for Environmental conservation.
Environmental protection and development are often projected as two regimes that cannot
operate without conflict. Every crop comes with weeds. The solution is not to halt cultivation
but to remove weeds as fast as they grow. The remedy for the ills of development is not to
give it up but to find innovative ways of mitigating its evils. Strategy is something that helps
you adapt to changing circumstances. A sustainable society is one that functions and lives in
harmony with earth systems such that future generations will be able to function with equal
or greater ease and the quality of life will in no way be diminished. Rapid development is
desirable only if it sustains good environment, and reduces economic disparities.
Only when the last tree has died and the last river were poisoned and the last fish been
caught will we realize we cannot eat money. (Cree Indian Prophesy)
Even the frog does not drink up the pond in which he lives. (Native American proverb)
The human mind made a fateful decision during the course of the Scientific Revolution; that
of ignoring the perennial wisdom of the worlds spiritual traditions. Scientific research and
development seemed to bring to the world technological superiority over nature. Lacking in
the austere self discipline of knowledge and impelled by greed, man has tried to become a
presiding deity of modern civilization. His emphasis has been on rights over obligations,
particularly in the context of natural environment, leading to discernable dysfunctions in the
form of environmental degradation which raises serious questions regarding the long term
viability of modern society.
What strategy can we formulate to protect this planet earth and keep it intact for future
generations? Changing circumstances and ongoing efforts make crafting a strategy for the
planet earth a work in progress and not a one time event. Honesty, integrity, keeping ones
word, respecting the rights of others are traits that a good individual is supposed to believe in
and to display. Religion can serve as a moral compass in guiding the actions and behaviors of
all individuals and organizations in this world.
In the words of Swami Vivekananda, Religion is the idea which is raising the brute unto
man and man unto God. Religion refers to both the personal practices related to faith as well
as to the larger shared system of belief. Practicing the tenets of religions of the world, we can
save this blue planet from annihilation. If we look at society from a historical perspective, we
realize that protection and preservation of the environment has been integral to the cultural
and religious ethos of most human communities. Ancient Muslim, Christians, Hindus,
Natural elements air, water, fire, sky and earth are all life-giving and life-promoting. So are
the sun, moon, stars, and clouds. They heal and rehabilitate. They turn toxic materials into
whole and wholesome things. Nature is a source of raw materials. These natural resources are
given not for selfish exploitation by one group or nation or generation of another, but to be
shared by all creation. In every religion, there are instructions and teachings to the protection
of environment and the earth too. The table 1 below quotes the teachings about the
sustainability from the three main religion of the world.
Table -1: Theological philosophy pertaining to sustainability in the light of different
religions
Elements of
Sustainability
Site
Christianity
According to the entire Judeo-
Religions
Islam
Islam is that just
Hinduism
Hindus revere the Earth
Water
Water is an
invaluable gift of nature.
Its significance is that
Allah Almighty has
created all living things
from water and made their
life dependent on it. To
keep water clean and pure
is equally important for all
living beings same as its
necessity. Allah Almighty
has provided pure water
for drinking, hence we
must thank Him. All food
conducive for health is the
product of water. It is not
permissible for Muslims
to waste water and unwise
use of it.
The Prophet
Mohammad (PBUH)
discouraged waste of
water during ablution. He
also said: Even at the
bank of a running canal,
water should not be used
unnecessarily, Muslims
are not allowed to pollute
water, It is the duty of
Muslims to keep water
protected from the
injurious germs and
insects which cause
transferring of causes of
disease
[Al-Anbiya: 30] [AlAnfal: 11] [Al-Baqarah:
164] [Al-Nur: 45] [AlFurqan: 48-49] [Al-Nahl:
14] [Al-Araf: 31] [Sunan
Ibn Majah] [Sunan Abi Daud]
[Sahih Bukhari] etc
energy
Air
Material
Biodiversity
References